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Adelaide Strikers Confirm Ben Stokes’ Batting Position: ‘Australian Wickets Suit Him’
Allrounder Ben Stokes has previously represented Melbourne Renegades in 2015.
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Ben Stokes could be handed a new role when he joins the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, with coach Tim Paine backing the England all-rounder to open the batting. Stokes, who signed with the Strikers on Tuesday, has generally operated in the middle order during his career.
Paine, however, believes the conditions in Australia make him an ideal candidate to move to the top.
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“I think he’s made to open the batting in the Big Bash. The pacey, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him,” said the Strikers head coach. “I’ve been on the end of a couple of his devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you can’t defend the field. He can play 360, he’s got power.”
If Stokes does open, he is expected to form a formidable partnership with Strikers captain Matt Short, who is also known for his aggressive strokeplay.
“I love the combination. They’re both really different. Both absolutely world class,” said Paine.
The 35-year-old retired from international cricket midway through England’s recent Test series defeat by New Zealand, although he has remained active in county cricket with Durham.
Stokes was left out of England’s second Test against New Zealand after breaking a team curfew during a nightclub incident that also involved team-mate Gus Atkinson.
Paine nevertheless expects Stokes to receive a positive reception from Australian supporters, despite the long-running rivalry between Stokes and the country’s cricket fans.
“I know Australian cricket fans have loved beating England and love beating Ben Stokes,” he said. “But they’ve absolutely always respected the way he plays the game, how competitive he is and how much he wants to win. I think Australian fans will really warm to his character and his personality. We expect he’ll be a fantastic role model for our club and for our fans.”
The move marks Stokes’s return to the T20 franchise scene after a brief spell with Big Bash side Melbourne Renegades in 2015.
With AFP Inputs
He is available for the full Big Bash tournament, which runs from mid-December to January 26.
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Ask News18Australian cricket fans are expected to give Ben Stokes a positive reception. Although there is a long-running rivalry and Australian supporters have historically loved beating England and Stokes, they have always absolutely respected his competitive nature, how he plays the game, and his strong desire to win.
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Original source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/
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